Portugal and Norway have few problems scoring goals but keeping clean sheets is an issue.
Norway were unlucky to lose the reverse leg in Oslo, Erling Haaland to play a role in another high scoring clash.
Key Stats
- Portugal are coming off a 4-2 win in Denmark.
- Norway have seen BTTS in their last 11 matches.
- Norway have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 9 matches.
- Norway have seen over 3.5 goals in 8 of their last 13 competitive matches.
- Norway’s Erling Haaland has scored 10 goals in his last 8 matches for club and country.
HTH
Portugal have won three straight matches against Norway, leading 9-1 alongside two draws.
Portugal Three from Three Under Jesus
Portugal started their Nations League title defence with Jorge Jesus the new manager. They beat Wales 1-0, João Félix opened the scoring but doing it the hard way after Ronaldo missed a sitter in front of goal.
Félix netted first again in a 2-1 win in Norway where they had 38% possession, 12-22 shots and 1.04-2.52 xG. The hosts equalised before Gonçalo Ramos restored the lead.
Cristiano Ronaldo was unhappy about being an unused substitute and subsequently left the squad in dramatic circumstances.
The Seleção produced a strong performance in his absence, winning 4-2 in Denmark. Goals to João Cancelo and Ramos were cancelled out before Vitinha and Félix scored in the final 25 minutes.
Portugal Squad, Team News & Predicted Line Up
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, Samuel Soares
Defenders: Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, Tomás Araújo, Nuno Tavares
Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Neves, Vitinha, João Palhinha, João Neves
Forwards: João Félix, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, Gonçalo Ramos, Francisco Conceição, Francisco Trincão, Fábio Silva
Francisco Conceição picked up a knock in Oslo but could be an option off the bench. Cristiano Ronaldo is not an option after leaving the squad.
Jesus has reportedly given the green light to a meeting with Ronaldo in an effort to reconcile, but it remains to be seen if a resolution will be possible.
Expect João Palhinha and João Félix to come back into the starting side.
Portugal (4-4-1-1): Diogo Costa; João Cancelo; Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, João Palhinha, Rafael Leão; João Félix; Gonçalo Ramos
Norway BTTS Specialists
Norway led Denmark 2-0 in their Nations League opener thanks to goals from Oscar Bobb and Erling Haaland. They were pegged back before Haaland scored again to secure a 3-2 victory.
The Vikings remained in Oslo where they lost 2-1 to Portugal. Haaland equalised before a howler from Orjan Nyland saw them fall behind again, they couldn’t draw level despite ending with 62% possession and 2.52-1.04 xG.
Oscar Bobb put Stale Solbakken’s side ahead in Wales but they failed to go on with the job. Torbjorn Heggem was sent off with the score tied at 1-1, they performed well with 10 men but were unable to find the net and lost 2-1 in Cardiff.
Norway Squad, Team News & Predicted Line Up
Goalkeepers: Orjan Nyland, Egil Selvik, Sander Tangvik
Defenders: Kristoffer Ajer, Julian Ryerson, Leo Ostigard, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, David Moller Wolfe, Torbjorn Heggem, Sondre Langas, Odin Bjortuft, Fredrik Sjovold
Midfielders: Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg, Kristian Thorstvedt, Fredrik Aursnes, Thelo Aasgaard
Forwards: Erling Haaland, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb, Andreas Schjelderup, Erik Botheim, Ole Didrik Blomberg
Solbakken has confirmed that Egil Selvik will replace Orjan Nyland in goal: “Egil Selvik has been told he will start in goal against Portugal. He was informed of this when the squad was selected yesterday.”
"It comes down to performance. We agreed before this match that Selvik should get the chance. He has earned it."
Torbjorn Heggem is suspended with Leo Ostigard to start in central defence. Expect Patrick Berg and Antonio Nusa to return to the starting side.
Norway (4-3-3): Egil Selvik; Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Leo Ostigard, David Moller Wolfe; Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg; Oscar Bobb, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa